Therapist Profiles

DSC03584

1/13

Katherine Wikrent MS, PLPC

Therapy can be an intimidating but important step towards becoming a better version of yourself and achieving a greater sense of peace and happiness. I fully believe that, if we are open to change, we can all create solutions to problems, build better relationships, increase our self-esteem and sense of purpose, and build mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. As a therapist, I am dedicated to creating a safe space of unconditional acceptance and support where you can confidentially talk about anything you like. I strive to create a warm environment where you can heal and grow and in which you feel heard, understood, and respected.

To support you in this process, I take a multicultural approach, tailoring sessions to your cultural background, including your race, ethnicity, and gender and sexual identity (including LGBTQIA+ identities). As a systems therapist, I use evidenced-based practices to help you look at the big picture and see and change patterns of behavior with your partners, family, or friends. In this way, I support you in addressing specific problems and improving your relationships. I also work with partners in relationship and marriage counseling in overcoming concerns like arguments, financial issues, and intimacy/sexual problems. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, partners, and families with a variety of concerns like trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues, among many others. I have lived in several countries, speak English and Spanish fluently, and have special expertise working with the Latin/Hispanic community.

Coming to therapy is a big step towards improving yourself and your life. I am honored to support you on your path towards improved mental health.

Nicole Rochat, LMSW, CIHC

Nicole Rochat, LMSW, CIHC, is an intuitive and empathetic holistic counselor with a creative and humorous lens. She has over 15 years experience as a LMSW in a variety of settings and populations, as well as additional certification in Integrative Health Coaching, herbalism and yoga. She is passionate about empowering individuals and communities, exploring ways in which plants and food can heal us and assisting in the transformation of personal perspectives and approaches in our lives to achieve complete health and happiness - mind, body and spirit!

Tanya Ralph, LMSW

Are you emotionally and mentally drained? Do you find yourself repeating the same negative behavior over and over? Do you need to heal from a narcissistic relationship? If you’re looking for someone who can provide you with a realistic and nonjudgmental environment in which you can authentically be yourself and, become the best version of yourself - I’m your person!

I work with adults; Men and Women who are struggling emotionally from a break-up, self-worth, negative behavior patterns, depression and anxiety. I partner with couples that have a strong desire to re-connect, re-ignite and improve their communication within their marriage. I’ll help you cultivate greater self-awareness that emphasizes on empathy and high accountability.

My therapeutic style is genuine, interactive, and solution focused. I’ll guide you with realistic coping strategies, positive communication strategies, and identify opportunities for inter-personal growth.

I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My primary focus will always be on you, your safety, and your progression. Together we will create goals and develop a plan; you are the expert on you. Allow me to assist you in finding the healing you’re seeking.

Paul Doyen, LMSW

People entering therapy are often overwhelmed with distressing thoughts and emotions. Others may feel stuck repeating destructive behaviors or chasing dissatisfying relationships. Many clients feel oppressed by internalized criticisms from which they are unable to free themselves.

As a clinician I help clients identify the feelings and behaviors that are most challenging to them. I then work with clients to uncover the unconscious conflicts behind their symptoms and explore how they may have arisen in response to past experiences. When appropriate, I collaborate with clients to create a treatment plan for reducing their distress.

I am a psychoanalytic therapist with clinical experience at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center in New York, and a researcher published in the Columbia Social Work Review. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly and have worked with clients with diverse racial, gender and sexual identities. I look forward to working with you.

Allison Wannemacher, PLPC

"There is a crack...in everything. That's how the light gets in."- Leonard Cohen

Healing and wholeness are absolutely possible. I would be honored to journey with you in this next step on your wellness path. As a therapist I bring my authentic self to the work I do, connecting with people in their strengths as a means of healing. You can expect a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere to explore the systems and patterns holding you back and motivating you forward. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a variety of needs. I practice from an integrative approach, using a combination of evidence-based techniques and client-focused connection.

This means we will collaborate at your pace to set goals, strengthen your resources, and select methods that are best suited for you. Whether through processing verbally, creating art, gently moving, or using imagination, I offer tools to help people feel seen, understood and empowered. I'd love to help you create a plan for navigating the brave and vulnerable process of strengthening your worth, trusting your personhood, and achieving your goals with compassion.

Monique Jones M.A., LPC, NCC

Therapy can be scary, as well as intimidating for people. Allow me to provide you therapy in a judgement free, comfortable, and safe space. Everyone is a unique individual. We will collaborate together to develop a trusting relationship, and then explore and address your individual needs.

I have experience with adolescents, and adults in individual and family therapy that deal with the challenges of life daily. These include depression, anxiety, oppositional defiance, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship problems and trauma.

I approach therapy from a Cognitive Behavioral framework, but I also incorporate other forms of therapy to meet the needs of the individual.

Monica Matuska, MS, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida and Louisiana. I am trained in looking at the whole puzzle, not just one piece to fully understand you and the part you play in your life. I have experience working with individuals, couples and groups who have symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, substance use and parenting problems. My experience is varied and I have provided group therapy along with individual therapy in home settings, schools, agencies and non-profits.

My therapeutic style is warm and open. I utilize Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy along with Mindfulness to build awareness with my clients. I encourage my clients to always ask questions to clarify so we are on the same page and understand each other. I believe the relationship between a therapist and client is very important because it predicts our success in working together. I don't shy away from using humor in session and want you to feel at ease and yourself when we work together. My main goal when we first meet/talk is to build a relationship with you that is unbiased, collaborative and beneficial for your mental health.

I am always amazed by people that attend therapy because I know what it is like to open up to someone new and share you personal thoughts and feelings. I look forward to working towards your emotional/mental goals and being a small part of your journey to help you move forward.

Michael J. Miller, LCSW

Build a Better Version of Me (and We)

What if you became aware that you were stuck in old habits that hold you back and were motivated to create new patterns that better serve your current life?

Learn to identify your own needs and how to communicate assertively in personal and professional relationships.

Practice living in the present now by letting go of the past and accepting lack of control over future outcomes.

Explore how to relate to significant others and family members with kindness and effectively collaborate on solutions as a team.

My special interests include applied mindfulness through martial arts, mind body practice, and spiritual psychology.

***Video conferencing options and weekend hours available with advance notice.***

Jennifer Keith, LPC

What would your life look like if you could snap your fingers and everything could change? What if your relationships with loved ones had less conflict? What if your stress levels were more manageable? Whether this is your first time in counseling or you’re searching for a new therapist that’s a “good fit,” I can help in tackling those questions.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what our experience will look like together: I use an existential lens in therapy, which means that I enjoy teaming up with a client to explore the patterns of their life. Your life patterns are unique, and your counseling experience should reflect that. Want to use Star Wars as a framework for your life goals? On it. Want to create a personalized ritual to cope with trauma? Let’s do it. I can also introduce you to an individualized technique I created that will soon be published. I respect your identity, your culture, and your individual needs. We will check in regularly to ensure that our combined work is assisting you with making the best possible life choices. I’m eager to take a holistic journey with you to address the varied needs in your life.

Lindsay North , LPC

“Bloom where you are planted”

Are you tired of feeling discouraged and like your emotions are in control of you? Maybe you're sick of always worrying or being on edge? On top of that it's difficult when it seems that no one understands or sees you. I use person centered therapy to remind you that you are the expert of you and put the power back in your hands. We'll work together to help you grow into the best version of you and get closer to reaching your full potential in life.

I have 5 years of experience helping teens and young adults by being a listening ear and making specific goals to better their lives. I specialize in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety but have also worked with individuals experiencing trauma, ADHD, addiction, relationship issues, gender dysphoria, OCD, autism, and family conflict. I also offer many different therapy approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, psychodynamic, play therapy, and outdoor therapy.

Whether you're interested in individual, group or family therapy I hope to provide you with the relief you’re looking for right now.

Elizabeth Kemmerly, LCSW

Some people say, “if you know better you’ll do better”. I believe that if you feel better, you’ll do better. I hope to connect with you and provide a warm and non-judgmental environment where we can process your past and current experiences and stressors while focusing on creating a brighter future.

I have ten years of mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. My training and early therapeutic work took place in New York City and has led me to New Orleans. My style is authentic, empathic and relationship-focused. Our work together will balance holding space for experiencing and validating your range of feelings while empowering you to use gained insights and skills in therapy to better navigate your life challenges.

I have specific training in trauma and grief, and offer an approach that is largely attachment-based and psychodynamic. I will tailor our work to fit your goals, ensure it is collaborative and frequently check in on how you feel

about the process.

Throughout my years of working closely with people and bearing witness to both their struggles and successes, I never cease to be amazed by our shared human experience and what the power of a safe, trusting and nurturing space can do for someone.

In Memory of: Natasha Ott, LCSW

March 2020

Natasha was a beautiful, kind, and compassionate therapist that we had the privilege of working with. She brought an amazing energy to all of those around her. To honor her memory as a clinician, and all of the beauty that she put into the world; her clinical profile will be left up so that we may still have the benefit of her words.

I believe that therapy is an opportunity for people to heal and transform their lives to be more in line with who they want to be. Whether that is to recover from mental illness, stabilize crises, or increase coping skills and self-care. In both my professional and personal life, I have seen the value of therapy to help draw people out of dark times in their lives to illuminate paths of hope to lead them to the other side of whatever issue is challenging them. My work with clients is grounded in the present moment, positive engagement, is client directed, and often employs a clinical tool box of interventions that draws from Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Behavioral therapeutic orientations.I work with clients to create a safe and accepting space to explore the complex relationships the client has with his or herself, their environment, and their past to help navigate future growth and goal fulfillment.I have worked as a Clinical Social Worker for 6 years in both New Orleans and San Francisco and worked with a wide variety of diverse clients across different race, cultures, sexuality, genders, and socioeconomic spectrums. I’ve worked with clients on issues such as, mood disorders, severe mental illness, addiction, parenting, environmental and cultural stress, adjustment disorder, trauma, domestic violence, chronic illness, relationships, self-esteem, burnout, and coping with stress.